Scripture is filled with people who faced change and their reactions to it. People like David, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king. David immediately returned to the fields as a shepherd and later was pursued by Saul, who sought to kill him and prevent being replaced by David as king. People like Joseph, who had a dream that he told his brothers and because of their intense emotional reaction was sold into slavery, probably causing him to wonder how God would change those circumstances to make His vision come to pass. People like Abraham, who had an unparalleled relationship with God and was told to leave the security of his home, requiring engineering a daunting move involving a multitude of servants, possessions and household items. Then there’s Joshua, who succeeded Moses as the leader of the newly freed slaves. The list goes on and on. Hebrews 11 speaks of heroes of faith, and those mentioned here are surely among them.

Just what enabled these men of God to follow the changes before them successfully and be and do what God had for them to be and do? If you look at each account, the common thread is their connection to God. God was always there to guide, support, encourage, empower and lead them in their new challenges.

Encouraging Scripture: Joshua 1:5-7, Romans 8:28

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide to an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give to them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Let’s Pray

Father God, I am dealing with a season of change and feel lost and overwhelmed. Please continue to be with me and to strengthen end empower me so that Your will and purpose will be accomplished. I may not see how this situation will work for my good, but You showed the imprisoned Joseph that You were with Him and engineered situations so that the vision You blessed him with indeed became reality. Please engineer situations for me, too, as I move forward through the doors You open. Grant me what I need to move forward and help me to discern which paths are from You and which aren’t. Thanks for Your promise to never leave or forsake me. With You, I am never alone or unsupported. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Things to Think, Pray and Journal About

1. Are you facing a change in your life? Have you asked God for help or are you relying on yourself alone?

2. In your season of change, how has God already worked things for your good? How has He made what was impossible for you possible?

3. Have you asked God to help you see beyond your present circumstances to grasp the plans He has for you?

4. Have you thanked God for being your anchor in times of change and uncertainty? Have you consistently kept your eyes on Jesus while moving forward in your seemingly impossible circumstances?

copyright 2014, Pastors George and Sharon Billington, All Rights Reserved